In a stunning escalation of tensions between sports and tech, Detroit Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera unleashed a fiery rebuke of billionaire Elon Musk on May 16, 2025, urging MLB fans to delete the X app to avoid what he called “trash” posts from the Tesla CEO. The outburst came hours after Musk announced on X that MLB players would be banned from using Tesla products, a move that sparked outrage across the baseball community. Cabrera’s bold stance, delivered during a press conference at Comerica Park, has sent shockwaves through social media, igniting a heated debate about free speech, corporate power, and the role of platforms like X.
Musk’s controversial post, made at 2:37 AM +07 on Friday, claimed that Tesla would no longer sell vehicles or provide services to MLB players, citing “disrespect” from unnamed athletes toward his companies. The cryptic announcement, lacking specifics, was widely seen as a jab at recent criticism from players, including Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda, who mocked Tesla’s self-driving features after a minor fender-bender. Musk’s decision, perceived as petty by many, drew immediate backlash, but it was Cabrera, a two-time MVP, who took the fight to a new level.
“This app is a circus run by a clown,” Cabrera declared, his voice brimming with frustration. “Elon Musk thinks he can bully us with his money and his keyboard, but we’re not here for his trash. Fans, delete X and show him we don’t need his noise.” The 42-year-old icon, known for his quiet demeanor off the field, stunned reporters with his intensity, reflecting the growing rift between Musk and the sports world. His call to action resonated, with #DeleteX and #MiggyVsMusk trending globally within hours.
Cabrera’s stance comes amid heightened scrutiny of Musk’s influence over X, which he acquired in 2022. The platform, a hub for MLB fans, has become increasingly polarizing under Musk’s leadership, with athletes and celebrities clashing over his provocative posts. Cabrera, a social media favorite for his heartfelt fan interactions, argued that X’s toxic environment detracts from baseball’s spirit. “We play for the people, not for billionaires’ egos,” he said, earning cheers from teammates like Javier Báez, who posted, “Miggy speaks facts!”
Fans have rallied behind Cabrera, with thousands sharing screenshots of themselves uninstalling X. “Musk crossed a line,” one user wrote. “Miggy’s right—baseball doesn’t need this drama.” Others, however, defended Musk, arguing that players rely on X for visibility and that Cabrera’s call is unrealistic. “You can’t just erase a platform because you’re mad,” one critic posted. The controversy has also raised questions about Tesla’s market strategy, as MLB players, with their high profiles, are key influencers for luxury brands.
The Tigers organization has yet to comment officially, but sources say Cabrera’s teammates support his stance. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, facing pressure to address Musk’s ban, called for “calm dialogue,” though fans demand stronger action. Meanwhile, Musk doubled down, posting, “If MLB doesn’t like my rules, they can walk.” As the feud unfolds, Cabrera’s defiance has galvanized baseball’s community, turning a corporate spat into a cultural stand. Whether fans abandon X remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Miguel Cabrera’s voice carries weight far beyond the diamond.
